2025 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF)

The Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy Ottawa is pleased to announce an open competition for past participants ("alumni") of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs to submit applications to the 2025 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2025). We seek proposals from teams of at least two alumni that meet all program eligibility requirements below. Exchange alumni interested in participating in AEIF 2025 should submit proposals to AlumniCanada@state.gov by February 28, 2025, 5:00 pm (EST).

AEIF provides alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs with funding to expand on skills gained during their exchange experience to design and implement innovative solutions to global challenges facing their communities. Since its inception in 2011, AEIF has funded nearly 500 alumni-led projects around the world through a competitive global competition. This year, AEIF 2025 will provide funding for public service projects in support of U.S. foreign policy goals and U.S. Mission to Canada priorities.

Goals and Objectives

All project activities must take place outside of the United States and its territories.

Proposals must have at least one of the following as a primary objective:

1. Bring alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in Canada together to build or expand an alumni network capable of working together on common interests and increase regional and global alumni collaboration;
2. Strengthen the relationship between alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in Canada and the U.S. Mission to Canada (U.S. Embassy Ottawa; U.S. Consulates General Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, and Halifax; and U.S. Consulate Winnipeg) to work together on activities that address mutual goals and challenges.

They must also align with at least one of the following U.S. Mission to Canada strategic objectives:

• Increase public awareness and support for U.S.-Canada defense efforts, emphasizing our shared commitment to North American security and prosperity, by increasing support for joint initiatives like NORAD modernization, NATO commitments, and Arctic security;
• Enhance science and technology collaboration and inspire the next generation of innovators;
• Establish and strengthen cross-border sports relationships between Canada and the United States, with the aim of developing and implementing models that support community sports and create career pathways for leadership;
• Promote and spread awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the many shared values between the United States and Canada and the people of our two countries.

Please be aware that projects funded through this grant must include an American element. This could involve:

1. a connection or partnership between Canadian and American organizations or institutions;
2. an American expert taking part in the project;
3. highlighting or examining shared values and interests between Canada and the United States;
4. incorporating a U.S. approach or method you have learned about to address an issue or challenge facing your community, institution, or profession.

Grant activities may take any number of forms, including academic competitions, conferences, workshops, courses, curriculum development, hackathons or app development, online projects, mock trials or moot court competitions, simulations and role-playing activities (e.g., Model Congress, Model United Nations), performances, or other activities.

Proposals that do not align with one of more of the above objectives will be deemed ineligible.

Participants and Audiences:

One target audience must be alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in Canada. Proposals must articulate additional target audiences and how they relate to advancing the chosen project objective/s.

All application materials must be submitted by email to AlumniCanada@state.gov by 5pm EST on Friday, February 28, 2025.